Laughing Song

William Blake

When the green wood laughs with the voice of joy,
And the dimpling stream runs laughing by;
When the air does laugh with our merry wit,
And the green hill laughs with the noise of it;
When the meadows laugh with lively green,
And the grasshopper laughs in the merry scene;
When Mary, and Susan, and Emily
With their sweet round mouths sing, “Ha ha he!”
When the painted birds laugh in the shade,
When our table with cherries and nuts is spread;
Come live, and be merry, and join with me,
To sing the sweet chorus of “Ha ha he!”
Question
This poem uses the word "laughs" to describe several elements of nature. What effect does this give the poem?
Responses
A Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem an immature feel.Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem an immature feel.
B Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a light, happy feel.Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a light, happy feel.
C Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a silly, obnoxious feel.Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a silly, obnoxious feel.
D Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a hollow, ordinary feel.Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a hollow, ordinary feel.

1 answer

The best response is:

B Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a light, happy feel.

This option captures the joyful tone of the poem and reflects the celebratory and whimsical nature of Blake's portrayal of laughter in the elements of nature.